Chapter 13
She jerked automatically when he turned her chin to give careful scrutiny to her features.
”Perhaps three times the size.” He grinned at her blazing look. “But I still love you. That has to count for something.”
“Just - just go away. I am still pissed at you.”
“No, you’re not.” He countered mildly and to prove it to both of them, he seized her lips. She tried to resist, told herself that she should, but was not proof against his brand of seduction or the power he had over her. With a ragged sigh, she engaged him, her lips parting to accept his tongue.
But the tide had turned, and he was the one feeling shaky in the chest, his body going weak as she pulled his tongue into her mouth.
It took considerable effort for him to end the kiss and even then, he had to step back to try and achieve some sort of control. It baffled him that she could wield such power over him and was not sure he was comfortable with it.
Control over his emotions had always been something he had, but not with her. Not since the night he first met her. And it had grown to staggering proportions. Losing her would destroy him.
“I’ll be right back. Drink the tea.” Turning away before she could respond, he left the room and made his way into the kitchen. He went to the cabinet and selected a half bottle of Scotch. He had cleaned up the broken glass and mopped the floor, making sure there were no splinters lying around.
And made a note to purchase a new kettle, this time one not made of glass.
Pouring the scotch into the glass, he took it with him to sit at the counter. A frown touched his brow as he stared into it. He had left the room before his powerful desire had him doing something he shouldn’t be doing. She had suffered burns on her legs. He had examined the skin to make sure there was no need to take her to the hospital.
Lifting the glass, he took a sip of the liquor and relished the burning in his throat. She was infuriating and pissed him off more times than he cared to count. But then again, he did the same to her. They were combustible.
Their fights were flaming hot. But it never once dawned on him to want out. His parents had never argued, because the old man would not have allowed it. His word was law and that was that.
His mother had meekly stood back and allowed him complete dominance. That was one of the things Harry had been afraid of. That he would enter into a relationship and the monster inside him would take over. That he would treat the woman he was involved with, in the same callous way. But it would never happen with him and Janelle.
He grinned wryly as he pictured her following his every order with meek compliance. She would more than likely hit him over the head with a blunt object.
She was no pushover. The woman he was head over heels in love with had spine. He loved that about her. It was one of the many things he admired. She did not allow him to get away with anything. And never would.
There was no fear in that. She would never allow herself to be treated like a doormat. Of that he was convinced. And hurting her was something he couldn’t even bear to think about. He would rather cut off his dominant hand.
Then why are you not asking her to marry you?
The question came out of nowhere and had him jolting. And searching for an appropriate response.
“It’s too soon,” he whispered, “we are dealing with something huge and trying to feel our way around it, through it. Adding marriage to the mix at this time would be a mistake.”
Or you’re just a coward who’s commitment shy.
“I’m not.” He muttered into his glass. “I’m not. It’s just not the right time and you need to back the hell off.” Downing his drink, he slammed the glass down and slid off the stool.
She was sleeping. He had no idea he had been away for almost half an hour and between that time, she had finished the tea and crackers and put the tray away and was now fast asleep, on her side, with her knees curled up under her bump.
Her sleeping posture reminded him of an innocent child, and she even looked like one. She had twisted her thick dark curls and bundled them into one thick ponytail. Her face was clean and fresh, without a stitch of makeup.
Sitting carefully on the side of the bed, he eased the quilt up to cover her arms. And not able to resist, he bent to press his lips on her forehead. She stirred slightly, causing him to hold his breath. But she settled back down and did not wake up. She had appealed to him from the moment he laid eyes on her.
One look at her had him forgetting the woman he had been with. He had been surprised at the jolt of electrifying lust and thought it would end there. When he touched her for the first time, he knew with absolute certainty that it would be different, she would be different. He had no idea how much.
Rising, he stood there for a few minutes, eyes wandering over her lovely unmade up face and thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. No one could ever hold a candle to her. She was the only one as far as he was concerned.
*****
He accompanied her to the Christmas program. She had not asked him again and he had not said anything to her to indicate that he would be attending.
“I have asked Michael to pick me up.” She said as she was getting ready. Selecting a forest green pants suit with an adjustable waist, she got dressed, examining herself in the full-length mirror. It was one of the many outfits he had ordered for her, and she had to admit that it suited her well.
The jacket was kind of blousy – a kind of free-floating style that flattered her pregnancy. She had decided to leave her hair loose and was wearing a small amount of makeup.
“Call him back and cancel.”
She looked over to where he was dragging off the clothing he had worn to go on site this morning. The housing project demanded his attention, but he made sure to have Rosie or one of the staff members over to check on her and bring her food. She had gotten a visit from his mother early this morning before she left for the office.
“Look…”
“I am driving.”
Planting her hands on her swollen waist, she faced him. “You’re driving me to the concert?”
“You issued an invitation. Does it still stand?” He asked smoothly.
She tried to ignore the magnificent flesh as he removed every stitch of clothing. The man had the ability of clouding her mind. “Yes, it does.”
“Good.” With a nod, he moved towards the bathroom. “Pick something for me to wear, would you?” He added carelessly.
Shaking her head, she stood there for a few seconds before walking into the closet to do as she was told.
“What?” He spared her a glance as he made his way towards the downtown area.
“Nothing.”
“Something. Spill.” He demanded. The Wednesday night traffic was already building up. No doubt people were trying to get a handle on their last-minute shopping purchases.
The freezing weather had intensified, and the meteorologists were hinting of snow on Christmas day. Pleating the seams of her cashmere jacket, (another one of his purchases) she busied her restless hands and avoided his laser like gaze.
“I love that you’re coming.”
“But?”
Sighing softly, she leaned back against the butter soft leather of the BMW he had chosen to drive for its comfort and turned her head to look at him.
His hair was caught back with a thong. He could have been a model, she thought whimsically, studying the sculpted cheekbones and determined chin. He was that beautiful. “Please don’t cause a scene…”
“Why the bloody hell would I do that?” He asked in an irritated tone.
“David will be there.”
“I can control my impulses. I might have the urge to bash his face in, but I will do my best to restrain myself. Is that good enough?”
She eyed him balefully. “I mean it, Harry.”
“I’m sure you do.” He nodded. “As long as he keeps his paws off you, then I’m fine.”
“Harry…!”
“We’re here.” He wheeled into the parking lot that was already packed with vehicles and settled for a spot beneath a wilting rose bush.
“Looks like we’re running late.”
“Sounds like they already started.” She waited until he came around to open her door and did not protest when he tucked her gloved hand into his as if showing ownership. She just hoped there would be no tension between him and David.
They were greeted at the door by a cheerful woman wearing an elf costume. Her smile increased in wattage as she noticed Harry and all but ignored Janelle. Ushering them inside, she insisted on showing them to their seats, all the while keeping up a conversation with him and making sure to touch his arm whenever she could.
“I think she was expecting me to disappear into thin air.” She had to tamp down her unreasonable anger and jealousy at the woman’s blatant flirting.
“She’s harmless.” He responded carelessly as he guided her to the seats assigned to them. David and Michael were in the same row and greeted them quietly as they sat.
Settling back in the padded chair, she prepared to enjoy the performances of the children and very soon found herself caught up in the nativity scene.
Some of the scenes were tear jerking and some had the audience erupting in laughter. At some point, she found her hand resting on Harry’s muscular thigh and his hand covering hers.
Turning her head to look at him, she simply melted when his eyes met and held hers. Her body went weak as his stare turned slumberous, his eyes venturing to her lips. Her fingers tightened on his and she felt her body dissolving, taking on a heat that was almost overpowering.
Swearing beneath his breath, he dragged his eyes from hers and struggled to get his desire under control.
Her ragged sigh only made it worse, and he had to force himself not to drag her out of the seat and demand that they return home.
*****
“She’s a natural.”
The man’s voice at his elbow had him turning around to see his nemesis standing next to him at the buffet table. He was hardly interested in the food, but an eager female had piled a plate high with delicate pastries and finger food and handed it to him.
“A natural what?” It irritated him that the man was staring at Janelle.
“Mother. Just look at her with those children.” The admiration in the man’s voice set his teeth on edge. He had promised Janelle that he would be on his perfect behavior, but that completely depend on the man standing next to him. He had no idea why he had sought him out in the first place.
“I would say that’s handy since she’s about to become one. Mother of my children.”
David heard the warning and acknowledged it with a smile. “You don’t like the fact that I find her extremely attractive.”
“I don’t like the fact that you’re poaching.”
“She’s a friend.”
“Is she?” Harry managed to rein in his temper, just when he felt like shoving the man out the door. This was a child-friendly event, and he had promised her to keep it civil. “if you would excuse me, I need to go ensure that my woman has something to eat.” Without waiting for the man to respond, he strolled off, satisfied he had made his position clear.
“That was unwise.” Michael’s comment behind him to David, had him turning around.
“You heard?”
“Enough to realize you were poking the bear.” Michael handed him a drink and they both watched as Harry snagged her around the waist and pressed a kiss on top of her head.
“He’s very insecure for a guy with enough money and looks to go around, isn’t he?” The question was rhetorical, but Michael answered.
“He loves her.” There was a bemused look on his face as he watched the couple. “That much is obvious. And that is something new for him. Women fall over themselves to get his attention – case in point.”
He nodded to a few of the patrons who had been invited to the event and saw the dazed and hopeful looks on their faces as they stared at him. “Now if Jan was the insecure type, she would be bashing heads.” A soft laugh escaped him as he took a sip of something resembling fruit punch.
David did not smile back.
“I hope to God he’s worthy of her.”
“It wouldn’t matter to her one bit. That’s utter and complete love you’re looking at my friend.”
“You’re beautiful.” The little girl with the ponytail told him curiously as she stared up at him. The comment had Harry blushing slightly and Janelle laughing.
“I completely agree with you, honey.” Harry had found a chair for her and brought her something to eat. She was not going to tell him that her back had started on her again and he had no doubt noticed that her ankles were swelling up.
“You have a baby in your tummy.” The child whose name was Sara, pointed at it.
“I have two babies in my tummy.”
The little girl’s eyes widened, and she moved closer as if to ascertain that she was telling the truth. “How come?”
“I’m having twins.”
Sara gave her a fascinated stare before looking up at Harry who was standing behind the chair. “Can I kiss you?”
He gave a startled jolt at the question and had no idea what to say.
“Of course you can. I promise I won’t be jealous.” She turned her laughing dark brown eyes towards the nervous man standing behind her. “I hope you’re not planning on disappointing the child.”
He glowered at her as he hunkered down. “I think you’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Oh, you bet.” She bit back a laugh when he awkwardly reached for the little girl. Instead of kissing him on the proffered cheek, Sara turned her head and planted a sticky one right on his lips. Wriggling away, she danced towards the group of children who had been an avid audience to the scene.
“Bloody hell.” He muttered. “I think she was eating peppermint candies.” He went over to a table to grab a few napkins to wipe his mouth.
“I think you should keep the taste. I happen to like peppermint.”
“You’re a barrel of laughs for a woman who’s in pain.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “And one who’s leaving right now.”
“I’m not…” She rolled her eyes at him when he only stared at her. “Okay fine. My back is hurting.”
“We will discuss why you feel the need to hide things from me on our way home. Let’s go say our goodbyes.”
*****
“How’s that?”
“Better…” She murmured.
“Sure?”
“Hmm. The pain is gone.” She was on her side and the soothing warmth of the cream combined with his large hands were strangely erotic.
“I need to ask you something.”
“Yes?” He had undressed her and hustled her into bed where he first applied a warm towel before using the cream.
“What were you saying to David earlier tonight?”
“We were just talking,” he continued to rub the cream, moving down to her spine.
“It looked intense. I was wondering if I had to come over and play referee and also remind you that I am pregnant.”
“I was a perfect gentleman.” He told her sardonically. “Something that’s new for me. I did remind him that you’re mine.”
Whipping her head around, she met his arrogant stare. “Like property?”
“Love, you’re worth more than the most expensive building owned by McGibbon Real Estate.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“I take that as a compliment.”
“It was not meant to be.”
“Still…” He rose and shrugged out of his robe, leaving himself completely naked.
“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like?” His voice was mild, his eyes were not. “I think a full body massage is in order.”
“We’re not having sex.”
“All right.” Turning her over, he straddled her and started with her shoulders. “You’re a little tense.”
“Having to deal with you is a trial.”
“Ouch.” He grinned down at her. “I’m not going to take offence.” He had placed the towel on the bedside table. Picking it up, he wiped the ointment off his hands and selected a scented lotion.
Pouring a generous amount, he went back to the task, his eyes holding hers. “I saw you with those children and I started picturing you with ours.” He had reached to her breasts and was kneading the flesh above the nipples with singular focus.
“It is hard for me to think that someone could abandon their child. That little girl with the enormous crush on you…,” she grinned at the uncomfortable look on his handsome face.
And don’t think I didn’t see all those women eyeing you like fresh meat.”
“They knew I was taken.”
“Anyway Sara… Oh!” She bit her lip as he started to circle the nipples. “Uhm, – where was I?”
“You were talking about the little girl.”
“Yes, well, she was left at the home by her mom.”
“The circumstances could have been impossible.”
“Nothing would ever force me to give away my child. No matter what.”
“Some children are better taken from the home they were born into.” A tinge of bitterness was heard in his deep voice, and she knew he was thinking of his own upbringing.
“Do you really think so?”
“Indeed. I have always marveled at how lovely your skin is. Soft and unblemished.”
“Harry?”
“Hmm?” He was so intent on his duty that he did not spare her a glance.
“I want you,” she whispered.
His eyes flew to her face.
“Weren’t you the same person who declared that there would be no sex?”
“I have since changed my mind.”
He tsked and scooted down her body, careful to avoid sitting on her bump. “I’m just trying to help you out here.” His hands moved to her belly and for a minute, he went still, his eyes meeting hers. “I feel movement.”
“I do too.” She placed her hands over his as he massaged the taut skin slowly.
“I planted my seed in you, and it took root. Now you’re carrying my babies.” He swallowed the lump in his throat as he continued to caress the skin. “It’s amazing.”
“It is. We need to talk about names.”
“So soon?” He worked his way down to her pubis and pleasured himself by smoothing his hands over the curls covering her sex.
“We could play around with a few.” She moved restlessly as he continued to torment her.
“What do you have in mind?” His voice had thickened, and he could feel his blood boiling. Very soon, the need for conversation will be over.
“What?” She lifted one leg and bent it at the knee. Her breathing was getting shallow, and her body was trembling.
“Names, love.” He eased a finger into her and almost lost it when he encountered the moistness there.
“I can’t think.” She opened her thighs and arched her back, her eyes brimming with passion. “You cannot expect me to hold a train of thought while you’re doing that.”
“Want me to stop and we finish this riveting and very important conversation?” He started to ease out when she clamped her hand around his wrist.
“Only if you want to die.”
“If you insist.” His expression turned sober. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You’ll only do so, if you don’t finish.”
“Oh, I intend to, darling.” Moving behind her, he guided his throbbing member in and had to stop for a minute to absorb the feeling of utter pleasure swamping him. She was tight and wet and fitted him like a well-worn glove.
“No one else.” He whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arms under her breasts. “You undo me.” He moved then, their bodies joined together in the age-old dance of love.